Located at the crossroads of historic Woollahra and Paddington, and surrounded by designer fashion boutiques, restaurants, cafes, The Hughenden is opposite Centennial Parklands and in close proximity to the SCG, Allianz Stadium, the Entertainment Quarter, with easy access to the city and Bondi Beach.

SAVE OUR SCHOOL MAGAZINE

As the ABC’s website says, the world’s oldest literary magazine for children (95 years and counting) is published without fuss by a small, dedicated and skilled staff who are part of the NSW Department of Education and Training: 4 separate titles for a total of 160 000 readers each month, for 10 issues a year. Subscribers who relish the words and illustrations. Subscribers who develop a love of reading, and who enjoy the range of stories, poems, plays, articles, comic series and activities into the 36 full-colour pages of each of the 40 magazines each year. Subscriptions are as strong for 2011 as ever … let’s hope there will be magazines to deliver to them.

During the Hindsight program, Noela Young, who has been illustrating for the magazine for more than 50 years, suggests that the School Magazine doesn’t receive the recognition it may deserve because its readers are children, whose voices are not heard widely. Some of Australia’s best-loved and most successful writers and illustrators of children’s literature attribute their start in the industry to the magazine.

The School Magazine accepts unsolicited manuscripts and is a starting point for new writers, as well as on-going income for more established contributors. The School Magazine is part of a very large NSW government department. A new entity is being formed by the merging of two separate units within the department. The Magazine is part of one of these units. As part of the merger, all staff in both units have been told their current employment ceases at the end of of January. Permanent staff may be offered positions in the new entity. The rest have not.

The magazine may still be produced, but it probably won’t be the literary magazine for children it always has been. School Magazine is unique Australian literature for children. There is the very real risk that the magazine will not continue. It’s now only 2 months until the deadline!

Pass It On is the essential Australian magazine for writers, especially children’s book writers, illustrators, editors and publishers. published and distributed each Monday.

FELLOWSHIPS

Applications accepted from 1 November 2010 Closes: 30 November 2010 – must be delivered (electronically) by 5pm.

A fantastic opportunity for authors, this award offers 15 six-night residential fellowships during June 2011 to writers selected by Allen & Unwin, Random House Australia, Text, Scribe, University of Queensland Press, Picaro Press and Pan Macmillan Australia. The two writers selected by each of the publishers (and one standout addition) will be offered a three weeks residency at Varuna in June 2011. This includes a one-hour consultation with a Varuna writing consultant, a Varuna writing consultant will read their finished manuscript before being it is sent to the publisher. Cost : $55 (including GST) per application. Fees cover administrative costs and help sustain this program. Successful applicants contribute $300 towards a 6-night residency at Varuna and a consultation with a Varuna writing consultant. For Program Details, Guidelines and application forms: http://varuna.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=48:what-we-offer-writers&id=57:varuna-publisher-fellowship

UNWIN TRUST UK-AUSTRALIAN FELLOWSHIP

Completed applications must be received by 30 January 2011. Applications are now invited for the 2011 Unwin Trust Fellowship, which enables a member of the Australian book trade to visit the UK for up to 3 months.

All working in Australian bookselling and publishing are eligible. Applicants are asked to put together a proposal to carry out a project which will both enhance their own understanding of the UK book trade and will provide a means to increase understanding of each market by the other. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will have at least three years’ experience in the book industry, and a clear view as to how the experience gained will be of benefit to their career. They should also expect to participate in some seminars/briefings on their return.

The judges will be looking for original and constructive proposals, and applicants should also provide a timetable and approximate budget. It is expected that time spent in the UK will be between two and three months and the Trust will provide funding for travel, accommodation etc up to £10,000.

A detailed career CV should be provided, along with at least two written references. Appropriate confirmation from employers that sufficient leave of absence will be granted should be provided.

The Unwin Charitable Trust actively supports book-related projects in the UK and it owns Book House in London which is home to the Publishers Training Centre and Book Trust.

Larissa Behrendt, is NSW Australian of the Year.

The award, presented at a ceremony in Sydney, is in recognition of her passionate and articulate advocacy for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders”. Her award means that she is also a finalist in the Australian of the Year awards to be announced on Australia Day in January 2011. Congratulations, Larissa.

Congratulations to the winners of the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards 2010:

Non-fiction, The Colony: A History of Early Sydney by Grace Karskens; Fiction, Dog Boy by Eva Hornung; Children’s fiction, Star Jumps by Lorraine Marwood; Young adult fiction, Confessions of a Liar, Thief and Failed Sex God by Bill Condon.

CBCA and Koala Award Honours

Libby Gleeson’s book Clancy & Millie and the Very Fine House, Illustrated by Freya Blackwood, was shortlisted for the Early Childhood Book of the Year in Children’s Book Council of Australia Book 2010 Awards.

The Max Remy series by Deborah Abela is listed on the Honour Books for the Koala Awards for Children’s books.

Why not enter some competitions and awards yourself?

Here are some to give you a start:

The 2011 Bristol Short Story Prize

Deadline: 31 March 2011

The Bristol Short Story Prize is open to everyone, whether they are based in the UK or outside the UK. The winning writer will receive £1,000 and all 20 writers whose stories are published in the Bristol Short Story Prize Anthology Volume 4 will receive at least £100. The winning story will, also, be published in Bristol Review of Books and Venue magazine Stories can be entered online or by post.

There are six national awards (of which five are open for nomination) for the best published in Australia works in the previous two years in six genres.

runs an annual award to honour great travel writing, the Solas Awards with $1,000 prize money for Best Travel Story of the Year. All entries will be considered for Travelers’ Tales books. Stories submitted after the deadline will be entered in the following year’s contest.

The winner earns $500 for sharing their living abroad experiences. See the guidelines .

The Good Reading website competitions list is definitely worth a look.

No excuses–take inspiration from our award winning authors and motivation from the many fellowships, awards, competitions and opportunities–to keep you going, avoid writers’ block, kick-start your writing or begin that writing project you’ve been meaning to tackle.

Please see: Sharon Rundle

Eltham Bookshop Literature Festival – “World Matters”

– Writers Disturbing The Peace – October 30 and 31, 2010

I’ve been invited to organise and chair a Fear Factor Terror Incognito Authors’ Anthology Panel for the Eltham Bookshop Literature Festival “World Matters” – Writers Disturbing The Peace . My co-editor Meenakshi Bharat is planning to be there from New Delhi, as well as Devika Brendon, Jeremy Fisher and Susanne Gervay. The Eltham Bookshop Literature Festival will be held on October 30 and 31. Program will be released shortly.

Fear Factor Terror Incognito

Fear Factor Terror Incognito Review in Indian Link

– Books – Linking Australia with India

“CHITRA SUDARSHAN reviews a compilation of short stories on terrorism in its myriad and sometimes surprising forms.”

“Indian Link is the most prominent voice of the Indian subcontinent community in Australia. As the leading newspaper, the Indian Link has set new standards in journalism and production. It reaches thousands of homes and has become an integral part of lives of people from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Nepal and Bangladesh. Growing in its scope and influence, the Indian Link is now more than the voice of the community. It is a vehicle for change and a voyage of discovery. Thanks to its rich and varied editorial content, the Indian Link has a big and loyal reader base that includes educated professionals, housewives, senior citizens and the young Australian born Indians. In a recent report by CAB (Circulation Audit Board) the Indian link was by far the leader in the market.” Indian Link

Sounds like Fun! An Exciting Day Writing on Trains

WRITING ON TRAINS Day Trip:

Sunday Oct 10, 8.30 am – 6.15 pm

Sydney to Robertson on the Southern Highlander Steam Train

Travel premier class on this charming 1930’s Heritage Express, to the annual Spring Fair in historic hill town of Robertson, nestled on the edge of the Southern Highlands.

Revisit the excitement of train travel from your own or a character’s past. Writing workshops (including exercises, sharing craft tips, reading and discussion), will take place on the train as we journey there and back in old world comfort. Use the day to write a short story, travel piece, section of a memoir, develop a character, or simply collect atmosphere and detail. Bring existing writing to read if you wish and spend a delightful day in the company of other writers. Morning and afternoon tea will be served. Café lunch at Robertson.

Booking: required ASAP. Deposit of $155 required on booking, full amount payable no later than Aug 26.

For all bookings and information contact Jan: jnana@ozemail.com.au

Jan Cornall is a writer/ performer who teaches writing at universities, community colleges and writers’ centres in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Today’s Writing Tip

Catch a train, boat or plane and write your journey–try to capture the atmosphere, the rhythms, the space, the company, the conversations–keep a journal and paste in ephemera and images as well as text.You’ll have a terrific resource for your writing.

The Hippopotamus Celebrates 30 Years with a Birthday Party!

Hazel Edwardsis celebrating the 30th Anniversary of ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake’ with the release of ‘Hooray! There’s a Hoppopotamus on Our Roof Having a Birthday Party’, illustrated by Deborah Niland and published Penguin (RRP $24.95). The latest Hippopotamus book had a very favourable review in The Sun-Herald on June 27. It is warm and funny with delightful illustrations to appeal to ages three and up.

ASA Medal 2009
Nanjing-Aust Cultural Exchange Author

On Sunday July 4th the Event Management students of Victoria University organised a major Hippo Birthday party event at the SLV Experimedia, as well as a hippo exhibition contest for the libraries and schools.

Australian National Literacy Ambassador for 2010.

Deborah Abela with her book 'Max Remy Super Spy'

Deborah Abela is the Australian National Literacy Ambassador for 2010. Sharon Rundle interviewed Deborah about her forthcoming duties and the release of her latest book ‘Grimsdon’ for 8 – 12 year old readers. Grimsdon, published by Random House Australia will be out in August.

Deborah is enthusiastic about her role as National Literacy Ambassador and has made an advertisement with National Numeracy Ambassador, Simon Pampena that will go to air in late August. She ‘can’t wait to get out and about talking about kids’ books and how important it is to create a nation of kids who love books!’ She says, ‘Books help create empathy and awareness as well as adding a voice to what kids themselves care about and want to know more about.’

Deborah has been writing for kids for seventeen years—ten as a novelist. Her very successful Max Remy Superspy and Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) series and The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen have captured the imaginations of her young readers.

Her latest novel ‘Grimsdon’ is her most action-packed and swashbuckling to date! It is very much driven by the kids who face living in a flooded world caused by adults ignoring the warnings of climate peril. ‘There have been a few post-apocalyptic films and stories in the last few years and even though my characters face a world that has changed, there is still a lot to be hopeful about, including the fact that these courageous kids will be our future,’ Deborah says. ‘Grimsdon is the first book I have written, though, where the kids are not only on their own but the adults who are around are out to get them and use them for their own gains. This book then has called on my characters to be at their most creative, inventive and resourceful for their own survival.’

Articles based on the interview with Deborah will appear in the UTS Writers Connect E-Journal and other publications (more details later).

Watch out for the reviews of Grimsdon, the book will be released in August.

Grimdson, published Random House Australia

Deborah Abela has a terrific interactive website at www.deborahabela.com where young readers, parents and teachers can find out more about her books. There are also competitions, YouTube videos and writing tips. She loves to hear from her readers whether the comments are ‘good or bad’. Their comments are important to her and she answers every email they send to her.

She’ll also be listing all the places she’ll be visiting on her website under ‘Coming Events’.

Deborah sent the following details:

National Literacy and Numeracy Week

When: 29 August to 4 September leading up to International Literacy Day on 8 September.

Aim: National Literacy and Numeracy Week (NLNW) is an Australian Government initiative. NLNW aims to recognise and celebrate the achievements of parents, teachers, principals, and members of the wider community who are making a difference to the development of literacy and numeracy skills in our nation’s children.

showcase the hard work school communities are undertaking to improve literacy and numeracy skills

recognise the outstanding results being achieved by Australians everyday

raise community awareness of the importance of literacy and numeracy skills for all Australian students and for the prosperity of the nation, and

build on national initiatives to improve literacy and numeracy standards among young Australians.

Theme:Learning for Living.

Who are the Ambassadors: Literacy: Deborah Abela and Maths: Simon Pampena

The role of the Literacy and Numeracy Ambassadors:

Lots of talking to kids and parents about books, reading, maths and how important they are for our daily lives but also how fun they can be. As the Literacy Ambassador, Deborah will be attending a special launch on August 30 to officially open the festivities. The rest of the week, Deb will be attending a series of schools, conducting author talks and writing workshops and chatting to the media about literacy: ie how much fun reading and books are! Deborah will be taking her role well outside the bounds of NLNW….as she has been doing for over ten years now, she will be doing all she can to get kids excited about books and stories at schools, festivals and conferences all over Australia.

Why are Literacy and Numeracy skills important?

Literacy and numeracy skills are fundamental life skills that enable students to progress in school, further study, training and work. The promotion of strong literacy and numeracy skills in young people assists in countering educational and social disadvantage, and is critically important to Australia’s future prosperity and position in the world.

When did NLNW begin?

Initiated in 1999, NLNW began as National Literacy Week targeted at primary schools. It has since been extended to reach secondary school students. A numeracy element was added in 2001, resulting in the Week becoming known as National Literacy and Numeracy Week.

Writing On

The Season of Inspiration Alumni Forum ‘Writing On’ is a lively discussion forum at the moment with past and present Season of Inspiration writers re-connecting to discuss and critique their work. We’re also in the process of creating a Peacock Memosaic of Season of Inspiration stories and poems for publication. More later.

NSW Children’s Book Council of Australia Conference

National Literacy Ambassador

Children’s book author, Deb Abela has recently been appointed as the National Literacy Ambassador. Deb Abela’s very popular books include Max Remy Superspy, the Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) series and The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen (all highly recommended in my family). Deb was recently interviewed on ABC Sydney Radio.

Abdul also writes: “Please find an article I have published on National Times; a leading online opinion section of Sydney Morning Herald, The age, Canberra Times, WAtoday and Brisbane Times. If you like please make any comments or burning issues you want to raise. Regards, Hekmat.”

Dr Andrew Y M Kwong

is off to Varunafor a week to work intensively on his memoir manuscript. It is a gripping narrative that shows human nature at its worst and its best; and how the human spirit can rise from the depths with courage to overcome innumerable hurdles and fears to become an inspiration for others. Andrew has a story “Snake Business” in Fear Factor Terror Incognito; he has had stories published in several journals.

Writing Tip for Today

The Winter Solstice is approaching for the Southern Hemisphere. Think of the stories you read that entertained you and kept you enthralled on a long, cold winter’s night. Write about these stories: what was it that made the stories memorable and gripping? How did the author achieve this? Think about the traditions of the Winter Solstice, the seasons and the cycle of life. Then begin writing your own story to entertain on a Winter’s night. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere and about to celebrate the Summer Solstice, write about what that means to you instead.

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I’m a storyteller, a bower-bird who collects odd glances, small gestures, snatches of conversation, quirks of nature and turns them into fiction. I create worlds peopled with the marginalised, the eccentric, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Working with other writers to develop their stories is stimulating and keeps me motivated too. Having the privilege to edit anthologies of stories by some of the best writers in Australia and now also India is an absolute joy. Sharing stories, vignettes, observations and adventures with you in this blog is my latest venture and I invite you to join me.
More at:
http://www.roundtablewriting.com/SharonRundleBionote.html
@sharonrundle
Sharon